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Wednesday, December 25, 2013

The Ivy & Elephants family would like to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, and a Wonderful New Year. We will be taking a much needed vacation and look forward to blogging and partying with you in the New Year! Be Safe and may God continue to bless us all in the new year and the years to come.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

We
all share many traditions and customs during the holiday season. We
hang stockings, trim the tree and leave cookies and milk for Santa.
But what about the Christmas Pickle? If you don't know already, you
might want to add it to your list.

The
Christmas Pickle is a tradition that originated in Germany. Parents
would hide a small pickle among the branches of the tree, tucking it
out of sight. On Christmas morning the first child to spot the pickle
was said to receive a special blessing in the coming year, and the
first present from under the tree.

I
began this tradition many years ago with my daughter. With our first
Christmas Pickle ornament she (and many guests that visited during
the season) would delight in trying to spy the hidden pickle.

Now
we continue the tradition with my little grandson. He has his own
special “Giggle Pickle” that plays a hide and seek game by giving
clues as he looks for the sound. It's a joy to watch his eyes light
up and hear his giggles as he peeks among the branches.

Christmas
pickles are becoming quite popular, so you can find them readily. His
“Giggle Pickle” ornament is fro Hallmark, but this is from the
dollar store. Not a bad price for so much joy. What are some
traditions that you have to make the holidays special?

Hugs,

PattiThanks to all of you who partied with us last week. Please link-up and join us again. Remember, it's not a party without you!

Come show off your whatchamacallits, what is its, what it once was,and "hey, look what I just did"posts. In other words, what you created, organized, designed or re-designed, found, purchased, transformed, inherited, re-purposed, renovated, are selling, or giving-away.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

I'm sharing a new find
that I'm berry happy with. It's not these luscious berries, although
I love them too.

It's my new “old”
spoon rack. I love the ornateness of it. The moment I saw it in the
thrift store I was smitten. It was covered in necklaces (and dust)
and looked forlorn. It took a couple of visits and a lot of begging,
you see it wasn't even for sale. Why are the good things always
marked NFS!

But you see these
beauties are the reason I HAD to have it! I started some time ago
collecting berry spoons. I love the gorgeous details on the handles
and the bowls. Flowers and grapes, even a shell bowl! Each one
unique.

Imagine all those
gorgeous pretties designed to perform a specific service. Just
berries!

Those Victorians sure knew how to live!

This grape patterned
one is my berry favorite!

I think the rack has
space for about 20 spoons, so I have lots more fun to look forward to
in the new year.

Come show off your whatchamacallits, what is its, what it once was,and "hey, look what I just did"posts. In other words, what you created, organized, designed or re-designed, found, purchased, transformed, inherited, re-purposed, renovated, are selling, or giving-away.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

What's It Wednesday #103

Thanksgiving has come and gone. Our family has a very different dinner menu. You won't find the traditional turkey and stuffing on our table. In fact, you will find fresh fish both roasted and fried, succulent lobster, delectable conch fried rice, scrumptious shrimp, and delicious stone crabs. Rumor has it that the pilgrims actually ate seafood at the first Thanksgiving. Supposedly, turkeys were no where in the vicinity of where they were. Feasting on seafood is an island tradition that we hold dear.

Needless to say, our house is the favorite Thanksgiving stopover of friends and family far and wide. Not only guest come for the food but they come for my mother's amazing mustard sauce for dipping the stone crab.

So me being me, spent the last year looking for just the right antique mustard pot and well...I found her.

During the early 18th century mustard was commonly found in your porcelain or silver castor right next to the salt and pepper.

The spoon in the mustard pot were used for dry as well as prepared mustard. These beautiful engraved pots make any table look fabulous.

However, it's my mother's mustard sauce that made the meal extra special. It's never an exact recipe but it never fails. Mustard with a little bit of sandwich spread, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and a little bit of lemon.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving feast. Looks like the sauce and the silver pot both cut the mustard.

What was your favorite part of your holiday feast?

Happy holidays everyone!

xoxoxo

Paula

Thanks to all of you who partied with us last week. Please link-up and join us again. Remember, it's not a party without you!

The Ladies of Ivy and Elephants

We are Moms, dreamers, visionaries, and creators. Our love for all things vintage and Victorian is evident throughout our homes. We are passionate about our families, friends, food, and fabulous finds. We are Ivy & Elephants.